Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR as we more likely know it, is a proven tool in the response to someone suffering a cardiac event. We’ve all seen it in movies, perhaps we’ve even had a class in school or work. But how many of us have performed it on a live person? Hopefully not too many!
I would imagine that if given the situation, many people would be reluctant to provide CPR to a victim, perhaps for a variety of reasons. But I want to dispel some of the myths associated with CPR and empower each of you maybe take that courageous step to help someone, should that opportunity arise.
The Truth About CPR
Myth #1:
I’m not strong enough to perform CPR.
Truth:
Did you know that you only have to push to a depth of 2” in an adult victim to effectively perform chest compressions? Did you also know that for every 10 seconds without chest compressions, the person’s perfusion falls to 0%? That means, blood stops flowing after 10 seconds without your intervention. It’s not about strength, but about consistency when performing this life saving measure.
Myth #2:
I don’t want to put my mouth on another stranger’s. I’m afraid of catching a disease or exposing myself to germs.
Truth:
As a lay-person, you are not required to perform rescue breathing for any victim – though you absolutely can if you choose. Chest compressions are the most important portion of life saving CPR, so all lay people are employed to be confident and ready to perform chest compressions. Health care workers only, all of whom are extensively trained, are mandated to perform important rescue breathing when indicated.
Myth #3:
I’ll can get sued by the victim.
Truth:
If you are acting in good faith to save a person’s life, then you will be protected under the Good Samaritan Laws. It’s fairly common to break a rib when performing effective chest compressions. Sure, they hurt but will heal. And it’s likely a worthwhile expense to many for the promise of more years of living.
Myth #4:
I’ll hurt the person, if I don’t know what I’m doing.
Truth:
If you do not intervene, the person will likely die. And in order to be more confident, take a CPR certification class at the local community college, YMCA or fire department. Or brush up on your skill set with a few videos. Your certification will last 2 full years and can teach you techniques for adult, adolescent/child and infant interventions. Anyone with young children at home – this is a must.
Read on for a few more details about CPR – why we do it, how to perform it properly and what to expect thought the process.
Empowering yourself with knowledge and a new skill set will provide you with the confidence and fortitude to (God forbid) meaningfully handle a trying situation in the face of danger.
Why Do We Perform CPR?
Did you know that rates of survival following cardiac arrest increase significantly in locations where active CPR programs are in place? In places like hospitals, airports and casinos (I know, weird, right?), your chance of survival is higher than places where no program or proper training is in place.
When your heart experiences a cardiac event, it stops beating properly. Sometimes it stops beating completely, sometimes it’ll quiver but not fully contract. It is the role of CPR to prime the heart back into a shockable rhythm, so that AED can be more effective.
An AED is an automated external defibrillator device. These devices are commonly found in nearly every large place of business, all medical facilities and schools, as well as many other commercial establishments. The recovery rate following successful AED use is doubled! But AEDs are less effective without chest compressions first.
So let’s discuss the basics…
The following will be true for all adult victims. That is anyone ages 12 and older.
Adults are typically found nonresponsive due to some type of cardiac event. That means, something related to their heart has gone wrong. As such, it is crucial that anyone looking to successfully intervene, must strive to get the heart working again.
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation estimates that nearly 1,000 people of all ages experience (non-hospital related) cardiac arrest EVERY DAY! And as many as 90% of those individuals die, when CPR is not administered timely.
The Steps to CPR – An Overview
When you come upon a victim, first assess the scene. Make sure they aren’t in harm’s way or lying in a pool of water.
Attempt to arouse the patient by calling their name or shaking/tapping them. “Annie, Annie, (Sir, Ma’am – whatever) are you ok?”
If no response, next take a brief glance at the victim to determine if they are breathing and if they have a pulse. The best place to identify a pulse in an adult is along the carotid artery. Use your first two digits to press gently along the side of the victim’s neck, just under their jawbone.
At the same time, lower your ear to the victim’s mouth, to either hear or feel their breathing.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Begin CPR
Once you’ve taken no longer than 10 seconds to determine whether you should intervene, begin CPR. If you are alone, dial 911 on your cell and keep the phone near you as you administer CPR. If you are not alone, ask your companion to call 911 and find the nearest AED.
- Chest compressions are first. Locate the lower tip of their breastbone. This is where you’ll provide your compressions. Place one hand on top of the other, clasping fingers, and lower the heel of the bottom hand to the breastbone.
- With arms locked, lean over the patient, and begin compressions at a rate of 120 compressions per minute. Or sing the tune, “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees for proper pace. It’s quite quick and remember – your depth is roughly 2 inches.
- If the victim is also not breathing, and you are willing to provide rescue breaths, follow this formula: 30 compressions, then 2 breaths – repeat for a total of 5 cycles.
⇒ Do I Have to Do Mouth to Mouth?? ⇐
If you don’t wish to perform rescue breaths, that’s ok. Just keep up with the compressions – don’t stop. This is very tiring, so do your best to use momentum and not sheer muscle strength to conserve your energy. Compression only CPR has been demonstrated to be effective and many people are more willing to intervene using this strategy. Check out this video from AHA for proper technique.
- If you are alone, repeat your 5 cycles until help arrives. If you are not alone, your companion can assist. Two-rescuer CPR is easier in that you’ll conserve energy by sharing the workload. One person provides compressions, and one rescue breathes. After 5 cycles – switch places and keep going.
Don’t Forget the AED
Once the AED arrives, one rescuer will apply the AED while the other continues the compressions. DON’T STOP. Once the AED pads are in place, follow the instructions from the machine. Stop compressions only when the machine instructs you to step away.
The machine will analyze the rhythm of the heart and determine if a shock is advised. If so, you’ll be instructed to press the flashing button, which will provide a shock to the system. You will then be advised to resume CPR.
Continue your cycles for 2 minutes, until the AED reassesses the patient. Whether the machine instructs you to use a shock or not, always leave the pads in place, once you place them on the patient. The AED will cycle every 2 minutes to determine if a shock is warranted. If not, continue with compressions until help arrives or the patient regains consciousness. If another shock is warranted, follow instructions and continue as before until help arrives.
What Happens If the Victim is a Child?
If your victim is a child or infant, the reason they are nonresponsive is likely different. Most of the time, but not always, a child becomes unresponsive because of asphyxia. That means they’ve choked on something and cannot breathe. This is a big deal, because time without oxygen to the brain can lead to long term problems. This could also lead to a lack of pulse, so be sure to check both breathing and pulse before you choose to intervene.
The reason for this medical emergency also forces the rescuer to proceed slightly differently than with an adult. A single rescuer will also provide 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. However, if 2 rescuers are working together, then the ration changes for children and infants. You will then provide 15 compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths. Remember why the child is down – it is more likely that they are suffering from asphyxia versus a complete cardiac event. Therefore, you need to provide the rescue breaths more frequently – hence your 15/2 ratio. Continue x 5 cycles (roughly 2 minutes) and then switch places with your co-rescuer. Continue until the child comes to or help arrives. You’ll proceed with the AED as above – following all of the steps as directed by the machine.
The Take Away:
YOU have the power to save a life! By learning these simple CPR techniques through a reliable program, you can be instrumental in someone’s survival. Be sure to sign up for a CPR class with your local Red Cross chapter or American Heart Association for proper training. Way to go!
Other resources:
Learn Hands Only CPR – Heart.org
Red Cross CPR Training – Sign Up
AHA CPR Training Center Locator
